Massachusetts 
General  Association 

!  Extracts  from  the  Minutes 
1322 


Congregations''  Churches 


BX7I46 

M4A5 

1822 


F'K 


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'AN  'esnoojAg 

■="1  soya  ayoiAVE) 


'Or.ar&<xbrhoncv  ChurcV» £<=>'.     (Tlc\ssy 


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O         LJ 


EXTRACTS 


FROM    THE 


GENERAL   ASSOCIATION   OF   MASSACHUSETTS, 


ASSEMBLED   AT 


SPRINGFIELD,   JUNE    25,  1822. 


BOSTON: 

PRINTED   BY   CROCKER  AND   BREWSTER,   NO.    50,   CORNHIIX. 

1822. 


•HID3  'uo;>po4S 

3Ui  soya  ayoiAvs 


MINUTES 


Of  THE 


GENERAL    ASSOCIATION    OF    MASSACHUSETTS, 


The  General  Association  of  Massachusetts,  convened  at  Spring- 
field, Tuesday,  June  25,  1822,  at  five  o'clock,  P.  M.  and  continu- 
ed its  sessions  until  Thursday  evening. 

Rev.  HEMAN  HUMPHREY,  Moderator. 

Rev.  ALFRED  ELY,  Scribe. 

Rev.  RICHARD  S.  STORRS,  Assistant  Scribe, 

MEMBERS. 

Rev.  Messrs.  Ralph  W  Gridley,    >  Berkshire  Association. 

«  «  Heman  Humphrey,  ^ 

"  Benjamin  Woodbridge,  )  Mountain. 

"  "  Rufus  Pomeroy,  ^ 

«  «  Solomon  Williams,  >  H         hire  Central. 

u  u  Payson  Wilhston,    ^  r 

«  «  Timothy  M.  Cooley, )  H        den. 

«  «  Alfred  Ely,  $ 

"  "  Stephen  Crosby,  >  Brookfield. 

»  "  Jason  Park,  $ 

"  "  *Eber  L.  Clark,  North  Worcester. 

'•  "  JohLn  Rodman,         )  Union> 

«  "  Richard  S.  Storrs,  $ 

«  «  David  Oliphant,  Salem  and  Vicinity. 

«  «  Sylvester  Holmes,  >  ou  Cd 

"  «  John  Shaw,  ) 

«  '•  Enoch  Pratt,  Barnstable. 

«  "  John  H.  Rice,  D.  D.      )  General  Assembly  of  the 

«  "  John  McDowell,  D.  D.  \      Presbyterian  Church. 


*  Took  his  seat  the  second  day 


4 

Rev.  Messrs.  Luther  Hart,    >  General  Association  of  Connecticut. 
"         "       Isaac  Parsons,  } 

«         «       John   Walker,   >    General     Association     of     New 


r    I 
'   $  Hampshire 

Rufus  Cushman,  General  Convention  of  Vermont 

h  D.  D.  | 

Enoch  Hale,  Secretary. 

Samuel  Osgood,  Minister  of  the  place. 


r  Evangelical  Consociation  of 
Samuel  Austin,  D.   D.  J       ^  lgknd> 


The  moderator  opened  and  concluded  the  several  sessions  of 
the  Association  with  prayer,  except  the  last. 

After  the  reading  of  the  standing  rules  of  the  Association,  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Hale,  Rice  and  Codman,  were  appointed  a  commit- 
tee of  arrangements. 

Rev.  Messrs.  Cooley,  McDowell,  Oliphant,  Walker  and  Hart, 
were  appointed  to  receive  the  reports  of  the  several  ecclesiastical 
bodies  forming  this  Association  and  connected  with  it,  and  prepare 
from  them  a  general  report  on  the  state  of  religion. 

Rev.  Messrs.  Cannon,  Croshy,  Holmes,  Williston  and  Storrs, 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  ascertain  the  state  of  the  dele- 
gations from  this  to  other  ecclesiastical  bodies,  and  to  nominate 
delegates  for  the  next  year. 

Rev.  Messrs.  Codman,  Fay  and  Storrs,  of  the  Union  Association, 
were  appointed  to  prepare  a  Pastoral  Address  to  the  churches, 
to  be  reported  at   the  next  annual  meeting. 

Rev.  Messrs.  Osgood,  Codman  and  Shaw,  were  appointed  to 
audit  the  accounts  of  the  Treasurer. 

The  Report  of  the  committee,  appointed  last  year  to  revise  the 
rules  of  this  Association  was  read.  After  considerable  discussion, 
several  articles  in  the  Report  were  recommitted  for  amendment 
to  Rev.  Messrs.  Austin,  Cannon,  Williams,  Hale  and  Fisk.  The 
original  Report,  as  amended,  was  afterwards  accepted. 

The  Pastoral  Address,  prepared  by  a  committee  of  the  Berk- 
shire Association,  was  read  and  accepted. 


PASTORAL  ADDRESS. 

Dear  Brethren,  beloved  in  the  Lord, 

We  wish  now  to  address  you  on  a  subject  which 
cannot  fail  of  being  interesting  to  your  hearts,  the  re- 
vival of  religion  in  the  places  where  you  live.     The 


subject  has  doubtless  occupied  your  thoughts,  and 
perhaps  has  excited  many  prayers  and  efforts.  We 
are  sure  you  will  hear  us  with  attention,  and  we  trust 
be  willing  and  prompt  to  adopt  and  execute  the  meas- 
ures which  shall  be  proposed.  All  experience  as  well 
as  Scripture  shows,  that  it' the  work  of  the  Lord  is  re- 
vived, the  Lord  must  revive  it.  The  heart  is  too  hard 
to  melt  at  human  touch.  But  the  same  experience 
and  Scripture  show,  that  if  the  work  of  God  is  re- 
vived, it  will  be  revived  through  a  blessing  on  means. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  promising  good  to  his  chos- 
en, I  will  yet  for  this  be  inquired  of  by  the  house  of 
Israel  to  doit  for  them.  Permit  us  then,  Brethren,  to 
propose  to  you  some  measures,  to  be  adopted,  in  de- 
pendence upon  divine  grace,  with  a  view  to  promote 
the  revival  of  religion. 

1.  Then  we  propose  that  you  all  meditate  deeply 
upon  the  importance  of  this  subject. 

Since  you  named  the  name  of  Christ,  how  many 
of  your  brethren,  who  used  to  meet  you  in  the  circle 
of  prayer  and  at  the  table  of  the  Lord,  and  who  en- 
gaged with  you  in  plans  and  efforts  of  benevolence, 
have  fallen  asleep!  In  a  little  time  your  days  will  be 
numbered  and  finished.  If  then  God  does  not  revive 
his  work,  the  churches  must  dwindle  and  ultimately 
perish,  or  be  filled  with  unconverted  and  unholy  men. 
And  all  those  that  live  and  die  in  sin  must  be  mis- 
erable for  ever.  The  sufferings  which  they  will  en- 
dure from  the  rage  and  rancor  of  indignant  and  un- 
gratified  passions,  from  the  accusation  of  conscience, 
from  the  sight  and  execration  of  companions,  and  ab- 
solute despair  of  relief;  from  the  worm  that  never 
dies,  and  the  fire  that  is  never  quenched,  are  beyond 
conception.  Can  you  bear  that  your  dearest  kindred, 
your  neighbors,  your  fellow-creatures,  should  go  to  a 
hell  so  awful,  without  making  all  possible  efforts  to 
deliver  them?  And  should  they  be  converted,  they 
will  not  only  escape  this  accumulation  of  evil,  but  au- 


6 

qtiire  ;     of  God,  and  enjoy  blessedness  to  the 

ext<  i  their  faculties  throughout  all  eternity.  But 
in  contemplating  the  importance  of  the  revival  of  re- 
ligion, we  are  not  merely  to  consider  the  happiness 
which  will  accrue  to  the  subjects.  We  are  to  bring 
into  the  account  their  increased  usefulness,  and  the 
bearing  of  their  conversion  upon  the  cause  and  king- 
dom of  God.  They  will  enlarge,  strengthen,  and 
edify  the  church,  will  adorn  all  the  relations  of  life, 
will  extend  a  virtuous  and  blessed  influence  over  so- 
ciety, will  honor  God,  their  Creator,  Redeemer  and 
Sanctifier — they  will  also  be  the  instruments  of  con- 
verting others,  and  of  preparing  them  to  convert  oth- 
ers in  their  turn,  and  all  those  who  shall  be  converted 
through  their  instrumentality  will  share  with  them 
the  glories  of  heaven.  The  immediate  effects  of  a 
revival  are  exceedingly  happy — the  future  and  ulti- 
mate effects  are  immense  and  glorious. 

2.  Let  every  thing  be  removed  from  you  which  is 
calculated  to  prejudice  the  minds  of  men  against  re- 
ligion, and  to  stay  the  influences  of  the  Spirit.  Chris- 
tians may  do  many  things,  which  will  injure  the  cause 
of  their  blessed  Master.  If  they  sink  into  stupidity, 
unconverted  men  will  be  likely  to  draw  the  conclusion, 
either  that  there  is  no  such  thing  as  religion,  or  that 
it  is  a  reality  of  no  considerable  value.  If  they  be- 
come worldly  in  their  conversation  and  pursuits;  if 
they  neglect  on  trivial  grounds  the  ordinances  of  the 
Gospel,  if  they  are  backward  in  supporting  divine  in- 
stitutions among  themselves,  or  in  aiding  the  plans  in 
operation  for  sending  them  abroad,  it  is  no  marvel 
if  sinners  are  prejudiced  against  religion.  All  cold- 
ness, disaffection  and  uncharitableness  among  Chris- 
tians, all  open  contention  and  overt  acts  of  wicked- 
ness, have  a  mischievous  influence.  These  things 
also,  being  criminal  in  the  sight  of  God,  provoke  him 
to  withhold  his  spirit.  We  entreat  you  therefore, 
brethren,  to  stir  up  vour  minds  to  duty.     Be  not  con- 


formed  to  this  world,  but  be  ye  transformed  by  the 
renewing  of  your  minds.  Banish  from  you  the  ris- 
ings of  suspicion,  envy,  jealousy,  and  every  evil  pas- 
sion. Abhor  that  which  is  evil,  cleave  to  that  which 
is  good.  Let  that  purity  of  temper  and  life  be  sought 
by  you  which  existed  at  Jerusalem,  when  the  Lord 
added  to  the  church  dailv  such  as  should  be  saved. 
Walk  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  in  the  comfort  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  as  the  churches  in  Judea  and  Samaria 
did  when  they  were  multiplied. 

3.    In  whatsoever  things  you  have  been  unfaithful, 
humble  yourselves  before  the  Lord. 

Good  people,  the  best  people,  have  much  to  hum- 
ble them.  Perhaps  childhood  passed  wholly  away,' 
perhaps  youth,  and  considerable  portions  of  manhood, 
before  any  holy  emotions  were  cherished  towards 
their  Maker  and  Benefactor.  When  they  were  the 
servants  of  sin  they  were  free  from  righteousness. 
And  how  have  they  lived  since  they  were  converted 
to  God?  Very  dilferently  from  what  they  once  did, 
and  very  differently  from  the  rest  of  the  world;  for 
they  that  are  Christ's  have  crucified  the  flesh  with 
its  affections  and  lusts.  But  they  have  not  loved,  serv- 
ed and  glorified  God  to  the  extent  of  his  law.  No 
day  has  passed  over  their  heads  in  which  they  have 
done  nothing  amiss.  No  relation  has  been  sustained 
with  all  that  faithfulness,  and  no  service  has  been 
performed  with  all  that  spirituality,  which  God  has 
required.  How  many  opportunities  for  prayer,  read- 
ing, and  meditation,  for  pious  conversation,  and  for 
doing  good,  have  been  omitted?  Were  they  favored 
with  such  discoveries  of  the  purity  and  majesty  of 
God,  of  the  holiness  of  his  worship,  and  the  strict- 
ness of  his  law,  as  were  vouchsafed  to  Job,  Isaiah,  and 
Paul,  they  would  have  occasion  to  adopt  their  con- 
fessions. We  entreat  you  then,  Brethren,  to  review 
faithfully  your  past  exercises  and  lives,  and  wherein 
you  find  any  deviation  from  the  will  of  God,  humbly 
confess  them.     To  judge  ourselves,  is  the  way  not 


8 

be  condemned  with  the  world.  It  is  the  way  to  ob- 
tain the  favor  of  God;  for  he  resisteth  the  proud,  but 
giveth  grace  to  the  humble.  And  we  would  affection- 
ately recommend  to  the  brethren,  to  set  apart  seasons 
for  the  purpose  of  humbling  themselves  privately  be- 
fore God.  Where  there  is  a  pious  family  we  recom- 
mend that  they  humble  themselves  before  God  as  a 
family.  And  we  recommend  furthermore  to  the  breth- 
ren of  the  churches,  that  they  meet  together  as  a  body 
for  this  purpose.  When  Daniel  understood  that  the 
time  for  delivering  the  people  approached,  he  set  his 
face  unto  the  Lord  his  God,  to  seek  by  prayer  and 
supplication,  with  fasting,  and  sackcloth,  and  ashes. 
His  pious  brethren,  doubtless,  followed  his   example. 

4.  We  propose  to  the  brethren,  to  address  their 
fellow-creatures,  who  are  without  the  pale  of  the 
church  on  the  subject  of  conversion  to  God. 

Out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  will 
speak.  If  Christians  feel  the  worth  of  the  soul,  how 
can  they  mingle  with  their  fellow-creatures  from  day 
to  day,  and  say  nothing  to  them  on  the  things  of  the 
kingdom  of  God.  We  do  not  think  it  desirable  that 
Christians,  in  conversation  with  the  unconverted, 
should  dwell  on  the  more  abstruse  and  difficult  points 
of  theology;  much  less  that  they  should  dwell  on 
mint,  anise  anil  cummin.  The  great  subject  which  we 
would  have  them  present  before  sinners  has  been 
named,  conversion  to  God.  This  stands  directly  con- 
nected with  their  everlasting  welfare;  and  they  must 
experience  it  or  be  lost.  This  must  be  urged.  Far 
be  it  from  us,  however,  to  intimate  that  we  would 
have  the  brethren  assume  a  stern  and  dogmatical  air 
in  their  addresses.  This  would  be  more  likely  to  ex- 
cite disgust  than  to  secure  attention;  and  in  the  result 
would  probably  defeat  the  object  intended.  Nor 
would  we  have  their  addresses  take  a  controversial 
cast.  This  would  probably  lead  the  persons  address- 
ed to  take  the  attitude  of  opposers.     The  simplicity. 


earnestness,  and  affection  with  which  Andrew  ad- 
dressed Peter,  and  Philip  Nathaniel,  as  stated  in  the 
first  chapter  of  John,  is  a  specimen  of  the  manner  in 
which  we  would  have  the  brethren  address  their  fel- 
low-creatures; a  manner  the  least  likely  to  excite  pas- 
sion and  opposition,  and  the  most  likely  to  produce 
seriousness,   conversion,  and  salvation. 

In  this  manner  Christians  individually  are  bound  to 
address  their  fellow-creatures.  Nothing  can  absolve 
them  from  their  obligationto  do  it.     This  leads, 

5.  To  another  measure  which  we  would  propose 
to  you,  and  that  is,  to  call  upon  God  earnestly  and 
importunately  to  revive  his  work.  "O  Lord,  revive 
thy  work,  in  the  midst  of  these  years  make  known, 
and  in  wrath  remember  mercy."  Every  thing  should 
prompt  you  to  pray  for  this  blessing.  It  is  a  blessing 
of  inconceivable  importance  to  the  church  and  to  the 
world.  It  is  one  which  involves  more  than  any  other, 
the  glory  of  God,  and  the  extension  and  honor  of  his 
kingdom.  It  is  one  which  God  is  preeminently  will- 
ing: to  grant:  and  for  the  consistent  bestowment  of 
which,  provision  is  made  by  the  mediation  01  Christ. 
It  is  one  which  God  has  granted  in  answer  to  prayer 
in  instances  innumerable.  While  waiting  for  the 
promised  out-pouring  of  the  Spirit,  the  disciples  con- 
tinued at  Jerusalem  with  one  accord  in  prayer  and 
supplication.  They  were  engaged  in  this  service 
when  the  day  of  Pentecost  arrived,  that  memorable 
day  on  which  three  thousand  souls  were  convicted 
and  converted.  Brethren,  God  is  more  ready  to  give 
his  Holy  Spirit  than  you  are  to  ask  it.  Do  you  then 
wish  to  have  the  churches  to  which  you  belong  en- 
larged? Do  you  wish  to  have  your  relatives  and 
neighbors  brought  into  the  kingdom?  Do  you  wish  to 
see  the  millennial  day  approach?  Then  pray  him  with 
whom  is  the  residue  of  the  Spirit,  to  revive  his  work. 
Are  you  fearful  of  an  increase  of  error  and  vice?  Then 
lift  up  your  cries  to  God  to  maintain  his  cause.  When- 
2 


10 

ever  you  enter  into  your  closets,  let  it  be  your  prayer 
to  God  that  he  would  revive  his  work.  Let  this  be 
a  part  of  your  supplication,  morning  and  evening  in 
the  family.  If  two  or  three  of  you  meet  together, 
do  not  separate  till  a  prayer  is  offered  to  the  Al- 
mighty. Let  praying  circles  be  formed  for  the  ex- 
press purpose  of  imploring  the  revival  of  religion.  Let 
the  church  also  be  gathered  together  to  pray  before 
the  Lord,  that  his  name  may  be  hallowed,  that  his 
kingdom  may  come,  and  his  will  be  done  on  earth  as 
it  is  in  heaven. 

Beloved  brethren,  you  cannot  do  without  revivals. 
If,  after  adopting  the  measures  we  have  proposed, 
you  fail  of  the  blessing  intended,  we  entreat  you  to 
pursue  them.  Resolve,  as  churches  and  as  individu- 
als, "for  Zion's  sake  we  will  not  hold  our  peace,  and 
for  Jerusalem's  sake,  we  will  not  rest,  till  the  right- 
eousness thereof  go  forth  as  brightness,  and  the  sal- 
vation thereof  as  a  lamp  that  burnetii" — "And  now 
blessed  be  the  Lord  God,  the  God  of  Israel,  who 
only  doeth  wondrous  things,  and  blessed  be  his  glo- 
rious name  for  ever:  and  let  the  whole  earth  be  filled 
with  his  glory.     Amen  and  Amen." 

//  is  expected  that  the  above  address  will  be  read  to 
each  church  and  congregation  in  connexion  with  the  Gen- 
eral Association,  by  the  minister  or  some  other  suitable 
person. 


Rev.  Dr.  Rice,  in  behalf  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Pres- 
byterian church,  having  presented  a  copy  of  the  revised  edition 
of  the  constitution  of  that  church,  to  this  Association,  accompanied 
by  some  very  appropriate  remarks,  the  following  vote  was  passed 
by  the  Association: 

Voted,  That  while  we  most  sincerely  reciprocate  the  feelings 
of  Christian  affection,  expressed  by  Dr.  Rice  in  presenting  the 
Constitution  of  the  Preshj'terian  Church,  to  this  body,  the  thanks 
of  the  Association  be  presented  to  the  General  Assembly,  for  this 


11 

token  of  their  regard;  and  that  the  Secretary  communicate   this 
vote  to  the  stated  Clerk  of  that  body. 

It  being  ascertained  that  the  gentlemen  appointed  to  preach  the 
Associational  sermon,  would  probably  fail,  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  select  a  preacher.  Dr.  Rice  was  selected,  and  consent- 
ed to  preach. 

Some  communications  were  submitted  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed last  year  to  consider  the  expediency  of  forming  a  union 
between  this  body  and  the  General  Synod  of  the  Dutch  reformed 
church.  These  communications  were  committed  to  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  McDowell,  Oliphant  and  Gile,  to  report  before  the  close 
of  the  present  session. 

Wednesday  afternoon.  At  two  o'clock  attended  divine  service. 
The  sermon' was  delivered  by  Rev.  Dr.  Rice,  from  2  Cor.  v,  14, 
15.     "The  love  of  Christ  constrameth  us,"  &c. 

The  thanks  of  the  Association  were  presented  to  the  preacher, 
for  his  excellent  discourse. 

After  public  worship,  the  narratives  on  the  state  of  religion 
were  read. 

The  committee  for  the  nomination  of  delegates  to  the  ecclesi- 
astical bodies  with  which  this  Association  is  connected,  made  their 
report.  After  taking  and  counting  the  ballots  on  the  several  nom- 
inations, it  appeared  that  the  following  delegates  were  duly  ap- 
pointed, viz. 

To  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  to  meet 

at  Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Thursday  in  May,  1823. 
Rev.  Messrs.  John  Woodbridge, 
"         »         Oliver  Cobb. 

«         «         Jonathan  L  Pomeroy,  >  Their  substilutes. 
«         <■'         Cyrus  Mann,  $ 

To  the  General  Association  of  Connecticut,  to  meet  at  Windsor 
on  the  third  Tuesday  in  June,  1823. 
Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Osgood, 
"         "         Jonathan  Grout 
u         u         Elijah  Dexter,     *  Their  substitutes. 
"         «         Luakin)  P'leips,  } 
To  the  Genera!    Association   of  New  Hampshire,    to  meet  at 
Pembroke,  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  September,  1822. 
Rev.  Messrs.  Rufus  Pomeroy, 
"         »         John  Cod  man. 

"         !!        ^°SW?l  HuW,ieS,  I  Their  substitutes. 
«         V         David  L.  Hunn,     $ 

To  the  General  Convention  of  Congregational  and  Presbyterian 
ministers  in  Vermont,  to  meet  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  Septem- 
ber, 1822. 

Rev.  Messrs.  Daniel  A.  Clark, 
g        "        Experience  Porter. 


12 

Rev.  Messrs.  Thomas  Shepard,  >  Theirsubstitules. 
"         "         David  Ohphant,     $ 

To  the  Evangelical  Consociation  of  Rhode  Island,  to  meet  on 
the  second  Tuesday  of  June,  1823. 

Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Ware, 
"         "         Vinson  Gould. 
"         "         Elias  Cornelius, )  m,    .        ,    ...   . 
«         «         Sylvester  BurtJ  \  Their  substltutes. 

The  committee  on  the  communications  respecting  an  union  be- 
tween this  body  and  the  Dutch  Reformed  church,  reported  a  rec- 
ommendation, that  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  by  this  As- 
sociation, to  meet  a  similar  committee  on  the  part  of  the  General 
Synod  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  church,  if  they  think  proper  to 
appoint  such  a  committee;  and  that  the  committee  on  the  part  of 
this  General  Association  have  power  to  agree  upon  a  plan  of  cor- 
respondence, which  plan  it  shall  be  their  duty  when  formed,  to 
report  to  the  General  Association  for  their  adoption  or  rejection; 
also,  that  the  Secretary  of  the  Association  communicate  to  the 
Moderator  or  Secretary  of  the  General  Synod,  notice  of  the  ap- 
pointment of  this  committee.  This  Report  was  accepted — and  the 
Rev.  A.  Hyde,  D.  D.,  J.  Lyman,  D.  D.  and  H.  Humphrey,  were 
appointed  the  committee  recommended  in  the  Report. 

Reports  of  delegates  from  this  Body  to  other  ecclesiastical  bodies 
were  presented  and  read. 

Voted,  That  the  next  meeting  of  this  Association  be  holden  at 
New-Bedford,  on  the  fourth  Tuesday  in  June,  1823,  at  five  o'clock, 
P.  M.  at  the  house  of  Rev.  Sylvester  Holmes. 

Voted,  That  the  Berkshire  Association  be  requested  to  fur- 
nish the  Preacher  for  the  next  year. 

At  nine  o'clock,  Thursday  morning,  the  business  of  the  Asso- 
ciation was  suspended  to  give  opportunity  for  the  Domestic  Mis- 
sionary Society  to  hold  their  annual  meeting.  In  the  Afternoon, 
after  the  sermon  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Codman,  before  the 
Domestic  Missionary  Society,  the  Association  united  with  the 
church,  with  other  ministers,  and  many  members  of  other  churches 
in  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  supper. 

Rev.  Messrs.  Storrs,  Gile  and  Codman,  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee for  the  purpose  of  making  such  extracts  from  the  minutes 
of  the  meeting  as  they  shall  judge  expedient,  and  to  see  that 
they  be  published  in  the  usual  form:  and  further,  that  they  pro- 
cure the  insertion  of  such  as  may  be  most  interesting  to  the  pub- 
lic in  the  Boston  Recorder,  and  other  papers. 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  this  body  be  presented  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Osgood,  and  to  the  first  church  and  congregation  in  Springfield, 
for  the  Christian  kindness  and  hospitality  which  they  have  mani- 
fested during  the  present  meeting  of  this  Association;  and  to  the 
choir  of  singers  for  their  generous  services,  their  highly  satisfac- 
tory and  distinguished  performances. 


13 

The  Report  of  the  Auditing  committee  on  the  state  of  the  treas- 
ury, was  read  and  accepted.  This  committee  recommended  the 
assessment  of  seventy-tive  cents,  on  the  members  of  the  several 
associations  connected  with  this  body. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draft  a  general  Report  on  the  state 
of  religion,  presented  the  following  Narrative,  which  was  read 
and  accepted. 


NARRATIVE 

Of  the  state  of  religion  within  the  limits  of  the  General 
Association  of  Massachusetts,  and  of  other  bodies  in 
connexion  with  it,  during  the  last  year. 

Each  passing  year  confirms  this  great  promise  of  the 
New-Testament,  "I  will  pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall 
give  you  another  Comforter,  that  he  may  abide  with 
you  forever."  All  the  peace  and  order  in  the 
churches,  all  the  comfort  and  spiritual  growth  of  Chris- 
tians, all  the  stability  and  enlargement  of  the  empire 
of  holiness,  are  to  be  attributed  to  the  influence  of  Je- 
hovah the  Spirit.  The  period  in  which  we  live  is 
truly  eventful.  "Revivals  of  religion"  have  impart- 
ed a  feature  to  the  present  age,  which  gives  it  a  pe- 
culiar interest. — In  reviewing  the  past  year,  while 
we  would  very  deeply  lament  the  formality  and  failures 
of  professing  Christians,  and  the  errors  and  vices  and 
affecting  stupidity  of  many  impenitent  sinners,  we 
would  record,  with  devout  gratitude,  the  special  tokens 
of  the  divine  presence.  The  Churches  within  our 
bounds  are  generally  tranquil  and  prosperous.  Upon 
a  number  of  our  Congregations,  divine  influence  has 
seemed  to  descend  like  the  silent  dew  of  heaven,  and 
not  a  few  have  been  deeply  impressed  with  a  sense 
of  the  importance  of  spiritual  and  eternal  things. 

From  the  Berkshire  Association,  consisting  of  twenty 
Churches,  we  have  received  animating  intelligence. 
Fourteen  of  these,  viz.  Pittsfield,  Stockbridge,  VVest- 
Stockbridge,  Lenox,  Lee,  Great-Barrington,  Sheffield, 
Egremont,  both  Churches  in  New-Marl  borough,  San- 
disfield,  Tyringham,  Lanesborough  and  Williamstown 


14 

have  been  blessed  with  the  special  influences  of  the 
Holy  Spirit;  and  it  is  charitably  hoped,  that  there 
have  been  nine  hundred  converts,  of  vvhoui  between 
six  and  seven  hundred  have  united  with  the  Church. 
The  revivals  in  all  these  Churches  began  with  Chris- 
tians, and  first  became  manifest  by  an  unusual  spirit  of 
prayer.  Among  the  apparent  means  of  this  exten- 
sive and  interesting  work,  the  most  distinguished  in 
connexion  with  the  preached  word,  were  days  of  fast- 
ing and  prayer,  meetings  of  inquiry,  quarterly  meetings 
for  special  prayer  and  the  instruction  of  baptized  chil- 
dren, and  visits  of  committees  appointed  by  the 
Churches  to  £0  from  house  to  house.  All  the  Church- 
es  in  this  Association  are  united  in  sentiment  and  pros- 
perous. 

In  the  Mountain  Association,  consisting  of  twelve 
Churches,  there  has  been  no  special  attention  except 
in  Washington  and  Hinsdale,  and  in  the  latter  place, 
it  has  been  much  injured  by  sectarian  influence. 

From  the  Franklin  Association  we  learn,  that  in 
Conway  and  Ashfield,  the  spirit  has  been  poured  from 
on  high,  and  in  the  former  place  eighty  and  in  the  lat- 
ter fifty,  have  hopefully  become  the  subjects  of  renew- 
ing grace.  There  is  but  one  vacancy  within  the  limits 
of  this  Association,  but  several  in  the  vicinity,  in  some 
of  which  a  strong  desire  for  religious  instruction  is 
manifested. 

There  have  been  no  revivals,  the  past  year  in  the 
Churches  composing  the  Hampshire  Central  Associa- 
tion, yet  additions  have  been  made  to  most  of  them. 
Attendance  on  public  worship  is  general  and  uniform. 
The  Churches,  with  the  exception  of  two  or  three, 
are  supplied  with  pastors,  and  are  distinguished  for  or- 
der and  harmony.  The  number  of  communicants  in 
nine  Churches  is  2047,  of  whom  612  belong  to  the 
Church  in  Northampton. 

The  Hamden  Association  is  composed  of  eighteen 
Churches  and  twelve  pastors.     The  whole  number  of 


15 

communicants  is  two  thousand  one  hundred  and  fifty- 
five.  During  the  past  year  140  have  been  admitted 
to  the  Churches,  and  there  has  been  a  revived  atten- 
tion to  religion  in  Granville,  South-Wilbraham,  Long- 
Meadow,  and  especially  in  Tolland.  The  first  Church 
in  Springfield,  and  the  Church  in  Monson,  take  up 
a  collection  at  every  communion,  for  the  benefit  of 
their  poor,  and  particularly  to  aid  the  benevolent  ope- 
rations of  the  day;  and  several  of  the  Churches  have 
adopted  a  uniform  confession  of  faith. 

The  Churches  in  the  Brookfield  Association  have 
occasion  for  thankfulness,  that  the  converts  in  the  late 
revivals,  with  but  few  exceptions,  are  stedfast  in  the 
faith,  and  persevering  in  the  duties  of  religion.  One 
Church  has  formed  itself  into  a  Missionary  Society  and 
raised,  the  past  year,  one  hundred  dollars,  in  addition 
to  its  usual  contributions.  Another  Church,  in  con- 
nexion with  several  members  of  the  Society,  is  culti- 
vating a  field  of  five  acres,  the  proceeds  of  which  are 
to  be  devoted  to  the  objects  of  the  Education  Society. 
There  have  been  revivals  in  Greenwich  and  Oakham. 
To  the  church  in  the  former  place,  fifty-five  have  been 
added,  and  to  that  in  the  latter  eighty-six. 

The  Union  Association  comprises  sixteen  churches. 
There  have  been  no  recent  revivals  of  religion,  but 
there  have  been  some  additions  to  most  of  the 
Churches.  An  increasing  firmness  and  zeal  are  visible 
among  Christians,  in  their  attachment  to  the  cause  of 
evangelical  religion;  and  there  is  reason  to  believe  that 
truth  is  advancing.  Several  ministers  have  been  en- 
gaged in  a  plan  of  pastoral  visiting  among  the  Churches, 
for  the  purpose  of  more  extensive  and  intimate  ac- 
quaintance, and  thus  to  produce  a  mutual  and  more 
lively  interest  in  each  other's  prosperity.  Some  good 
effects  have  been  already  perceived,  in  consequence  of 
adopting  this  plan,  but  not  sufficient  to  test  its  useful- 
ness. A  union  prayer-meeting  of  different  denomina- 
tions,  has   recently   been  established,  which  has  in- 


16 

spired  new  hopes,  and  stimulated  to  new  efforts,  for  a 
revivaJ  of  religion.  There  is  a  perceptible  increase  of 
that  enlightened,  manly  and  Christian  spirit,  which 
must  be  relied  on  as  the  chief  instrument  of  opposing 
and  overcoming  those  fatal  errors,  which  yet  wear  a 
threatening  aspect  to  the  Churches  in  Massachusetts. 

The  Association  of  Salem  and  vicinity  has  been  di- 
minished by  the  withdrawing  of  those  members  whose 
religious  opinions  differ  from  those  of  the  majority. 
It  now  consists  of  fourteen  members.  No  revivals  have 
been  experienced,  yet  some  have  been  added  to  most 
of  the  Churches.  They  are  generally  distinguished 
for  good  attendance  on  the  means  of  grace,  and  for 
harmony  and  brotherly  love.  Popular  errors  are 
making  no  progress.  The  plan  of  visiting  Churches, 
adopted  by  the  Union  Association,  has  been  pursued 
here,  and  with  good  effect.  A  union  of  different  de- 
nominations for  prayer  has  also  been  effected,  and  with 
very  flattering  prospects.  So  great  has  been  the  in- 
terest in  this  unien,  that  the  meeting-houses  have  been 
opened  for  the  accommodation  of  the  assemblies,  and 
many  have  attended  from  the  distance  of  five  and  even 
ten  miles. 

The  Old  Colony  Association  comprises  seventeen 
churches,  five  of  which  are  destitute,  and  four  of  these 
unable  to  support  the  gospel  without  the  aid  of  Chris- 
tian benevolence.  On  their  borders  there  is  an  ex- 
tensive moral  waste.  Yet  during  the  year  two  desti- 
tute Churches  have  settled  evangelical  ministers.  No 
particular  impression  is  made  by  the  prevailing  errors 
of  the  day.  Harmony  prevails  among  the  pastors-, 
and  some  additions  have  been  made  to  the  Churches. 
Much  has  been  done  for  the  education  of  pious  young 
men.  Three  who  are  now  in  their  collegiate  course, 
and  others  who  are  preparing  for  College,  are  sup- 
ported principally  by  these  Churches.  A  conference 
of  Churches  for  special  prayer  has  been  established, 
and  with  good  effects. 


_- . 


17 

In  the  Worcester  North  Association  are  seven 
Churches,  all  of  which  are  supplied.  There  is  an  in- 
creasing attention  to  the  means  of  grace,  and  the 
friends  of  religion  are  more  decided.  Refreshings 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  have  been  experi- 
enced in  Fitchburg,  Ashley,  and  Winchenden,  and  130 
are  the  hopeful  subjects  of  divine  grace.  Of  these, 
sixty  or  seventy  are  in  Winchendon,  and  youth  are 
principally  the  subjects. 

The  Barnstable  County  Association  contains  nine- 
teen Churches,  all  of  which  are  supplied  except  two. 
The  number  of  communicants  is  about  three  thousand. 
Since  1808  most  of  the  Churches  have  experienced 
revivals,  some  of  them  have  shared  richly  in  this 
blessing,  and  have  been  greatly  strengthened  and 
built  uj)  in  the  faith.  Of  these  Churches,  one  is  an 
Indian  Church,  under  the  pastoral  charge  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Fisk,  consisting  of  about  twenty  members;  and  the 
congregation  in  connexion  with  it  comprises  about 
three  hundred  and  fifty  Indians  and  colored  people. 

It  may  be  remarked  in  general,  respecting  the  As* 
sociations  within  our  bounds,  that  the  monthly  concert 
is  attended  and  collections  taken  up; — Sabbath  schools 
are  instituted  and  weekly  conferences  held; — and  the 
various  charitable  objects  receive  increasing  patron- 
age, from  contributions,  and  from  the  avails  of  female 
industry,  and  of  missionary  fields.  The  Theological 
Institution  at  Andover,  is  in  a  very  prosperous  condi- 
tion, and  contains  132  students.  May  it  continue  to 
enjoy  the  smiles  of  heaven. 

Within  the  bounds  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  are  extensive  sections  of  coun- 
try, especially  on  their  frontiers,  which  are  destitute 
of  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel.  From  these  wastes 
of  Zion  the  Macedonian  cry  is  heard,  come  over  and 
help  us.  Faithful  ministers  to  break  unto  them  the 
bread  of  life,  are  greatly  needed,  and  cannot  be  ob- 
tained. But  where  the  means  of  grace  are  statedly 
3 


i 


18 

enjoyed,  they  are  manifestly  accompanied,  in  a  greater 
or  less  measure,  with  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
The  monthly  concert  is  generally  attended.  Much 
zeal  is  manifested  in  the  promotion  of  Sabbath  Schools, 
Bible  Classes  and  Cateclietical  instruction.  Baptized 
children  and  their  parents  are  in  many  instances,  con- 
vened and  reminded  of  the  solemn  obligations  imposed 
upon  them  by  their  baptismal  covenant.  In  several 
Colleges,  especially  Union  and  Hamilton,  there  is  a 
large  number  of  pious  students.  The  Theological 
Seminary  in  Princeton,  continues  to  enjoy  the  smiles  of 
the  head  of  the  Church.  The  general  interests  of 
evangelical  pietv  are  advancing,  and  not  a  small  num- 
ber of  Congregations  have  been  refreshed  by  copious 
effusions  otthe  Holy  Spirit. 

The  Delegates  from  Connecticut  report,  that  within 
the  last  two  years,  nearly  one  hundred  congregations 
have  participated  in  special  revivals  of  religion,  and 
more  than  three  thousand  have  been  added  to  the 
Churches  by  profession.  The  Churches  generally  are 
favored  with  peace;  and  although  the  great  revivals 
have  in  a  degree  subsided,  yet  we  are  cheered  with 
the  knowledge,  that,  in  some  places,  God  is  still  mani- 
festing his  grace,  in  multiplying  converts  unto  Christ. 
Benevolent  operations  are  continued  and  evidently 
owned  of  God.  Yale  College  is  in  a  highly  flourishing 
condition.  It  numbers  more  than  three  hundred  stu- 
dents, of  whom  about  one  hundred  are  professors  of 
religion.  The  charity  Students,  from  forty  to  fifty  in 
number,  are  respectable  for  scholarship,  and  by  their 
exemplary  conduct,  exert  a  salutary  influence  on  the 
morals  of  the  Institution.  In  this  connexion  we  would 
notice,  and  that  with  deep  and  heartfelt  grief,  the  la- 
mented death  of  Professor  Fisher,  who  perished  in 
the  Ocean  on  the  coast  of  Ireland!  This  mysterious  and 
truly  affecting  dispensation  of  Providence  has  cast  a 
gloom  over  Yale  College,  and  deprived  our  country 
of  one   of  her   brightest  ornaments.     Earnestly  and 


19 

devoutly  would  we  lift  up  our  hearts  to  God,  that  this 
event  may  be  sanctified  to  the  Seminary,  and  to  all 
the  friends  of  science  and  of  religion! — The  Foreign 
Mission  School  in  Cornwall  contains  thirty-three  Stu- 
dents, twenty-six  of  whom  are  hopefully  pious,  and 
nineteen  have  already  made  a  public  profession  of  re- 
ligion. 

In  our  survey  of  the  state  of  New-Hampshire,  while 
we  pause  to  weep  over  many  desolate  places,  where 
delusion  and  moral  darkness  prevail,  we  are  happy  to 
find  that,  in  some  of  these  wastes,  evangelical  pastors 
have  been  recently  settled,  and  in  others  the  labors  of 
faithful  Missionaries  arc  well  received,  and  productive 
of  good  effects.  The  last  meeting  of  the  General  As- 
sociation at  New-Ipswich  was  succeeded  by  a  revival 
of  religion  in  that  place,  and  in  this  blessing  several 
other  places  have  participated.  The  concert  of  pray- 
er is  generally  attended  and  religious  charities  are  en- 
couraged. Where  the  gospel  is  statedly  preached, 
there  is  an  increasing  conviction  of  the  importance  of 
experimental  religion. 

From  the  State  of  Vermont  the  religious  intelli- 
gence communicated,  is  peculiarly  animating  to  the 
friends  of  Zion.  While  the  various  charitable  institu- 
tions, and  especially  the  Juvenile  Missionary  Society, 
are  extending  their  operations,  there  is  much  evidence 
that  these  efforts  to  enlarge  and  beautify  the  city  of 
our  God,  are  not  unsuccessful.  The  College  in  Mid- 
dlebury,  has  been  blessed  with  the  influences  of  the 
Spirit,  and  two  thirds  of  the  students  are  numbered 
among  the  friends  of  religion.  In  about  fifty  towns 
there  have  been,  during  the  past  year,  powerful  revi- 
vals of  religion,  and  above  two  thousand  and  five  hun- 
dred have  been  added  to  the  Churches.  "Who  are 
these  that  fly  as  a  cloud  and  as  doves  to  their  windows." 
In  conclusion  the  General  Association  would  exhort 
the  Churches  to  go  forward.  There  is  much  to  an- 
imate  the  hopes,  and  encourage  the  efforts  of  Chris- 


20 

lians.  The  present  is  evidently  an  era  of  light.  The 
efforts  of  Christian  benevolence  are  steadily  advancing, 
and  he  who  has  called  forth  these  efforts,  is  directing 
them  to  a  glorious  issue.  There  seem  to  be  clear  signs, 
that  the  predicted  time  is  approaching,  when  "the 
earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as 
the  waters  cover  the  sea."  Who  ever  witnesssed  such 
a  great  system  of  beneficence  as  we  now  witness? 
Who  ever  witnessed  such  an  extensive  union  in  prayer? 
And  who,  since  the  first  ages  of  Christianity,  have 
had,  the  privilege  to  record  such  powerful  and  exten- 
sive revivals  of  religion?  May  we  not  even  now  say, 
"Lo  this  is  our  God,  we  have  waited  for  him,  and  he 
will  save  us;  this  is  the  Lord,  we  have  waited  for  him, 
we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  his  salvation." 

Voted,  That  the  thanks"  of  this  body  be  presented  to  the  Mod- 
erator, Secretary  and  Scribes,  for  their  faithful  and  laborious  ser- 
vices, during  the  present  session. 

The  meeting1  was  closed  by  singing  the  102d  psalm,  and  uniting 
in  a  prayer  offered  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cushman. 


Heman  Humphrey,  Moderator. 


Alfred  Ely,  Scribe. 

Rtchar.d  S.   Storrs,    Assistant  Scribe. 


FOURTH 


BOARD    OF    DIRECTORS? 


./ 


MASSACHUSETTS    DOMESTIC    MISSIONARY    SOCIETY, 


ADDRESS    TO    THE   PUBLIC. 


BOSTON: 

CROCKER   &   BREWSTER,    PRINTERS, 

No.  50,  Cornhill. 

1822. 


REPORT 


OF  THE 

MASSACHUSETTS  DOMESTIC  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


-1  he  Domestic  Missionary  Society  of  Massachusetts,  held 
its  fourth  annual  meeting  at  Springfield,  June  27,  1822. 

The  meeting  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Humphrey,  who,  as  Moderator  of  the  General  Association, 
presided  on  the  occasion. 

The  Report  of  the  Directors  was  read  by  the  Scribe 
of  the  Eastern  Executive  Committee,  accepted,  and  commit- 
ted for  publication. 

Officers  were  then  chosen  for  the  ensuing  year,  viz. 

Rev.  THOMAS  SNELL,  Secretary, 

SOLOMON  STODDARD,  Jun.  Esq.  Treasurer. 
Hon.  JONA.  H.  LYMAN,  Auditor. 

DIRECTORS. 

Rev.  Alvan  Hyde,  D.D.  Joseph  Woodbridge,  Esq. 

"  Theophiltjs  Packard,  David  Mack,    Esq. 

"  Isaac  Knapp,  Hon.  Ezra    Starkweather, 

"  Samuel  Osgood,  Nathaniel  Smith,  Esq. 

"  Joshua  Crosby,  Hon.  John  Hooker, 

"  John  Fisk,  Col.  Israel  E.   Trask, 

"  Samuel  Walker,  Gen.  Salem  Towne,  Jun. 

"      SeRENO    E.    DwiGHT,      Hon.NEHEMIAH  Cleaveland, 

"  John  Codman,  Hon.  William  Reed, 

"  Richard  S.  Storrs,  Dea.  Josiah  Salisbury, 

"  Oliver  Cobb,  Henry  Gray,  Esq. 

"  John  Woodbridge,  Dr.  Jesse  Wheaton. 

Rev.  Warren  Fay,  and  Rev.  Professor  Stuart,  having 
been  appointed  last  year  by  the  Board,  to  preach  on  this  oc- 
casion, and  both  being  prevented  from  attending  the  meet- 
ing— the  Rev.  J.  Codman  was  requested  by  the  Directors  to 


deliver  the  annual  sermon.  He  accordingly  delivered  an  ap- 
propriate discourse  from  Hosea  iv,  6,  "My  people  are  de- 
stroyed for  lack  of  knowledge." 

By  the  audited  accounts  of  the  Treasurer,  and  the  Receiver 
of  the  Eastern  Executive  Committee,  it  appears,  that  in- 
cluding a  balance  on  hand,  June  26,  1821,  of  $355,30,  the 
amount  received  in  contributions  and  donations  is,  $1,045,64. 
The  expenditures  amount  to  $750,02*.  Cash  in  the  treasu- 
ry, $295,61  $. 


REPORT  OF  THE  DIRECTORS. 

Agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  constitution  of 
the  Domestic  Missionary  Society  of  Massachusetts, 
the  Board  of  Directors  would  respectfully  submit 
the  following  report  of  their  operations  during  the 
past  year. 

At  the  last  annual  meeting  of  the  Board,  it  was 
deemed  expedient  for  the  more  effectual  attainment 
of  the  great  objects  of  the  Society,  to  organize  two 
Executive  Committees,  instead  of  one — and  to  divide 
the  commonwealth  into  two  districts,  the  Eastern  and 
Western,  making  it  the  duty  of  each  of  these  commit- 
tees to  direct  the  operations  of  the  Board  in  the  dis- 
tricts respectively  assigned  to  them.  Although  some 
inconveniences  are  incident  to  this  new  arrangement, 
especially  while  it  is  not  perfectly  understood  by  the 
Christian  public,  yet  it  is  believed  that  ultimately,  its 
advantages  will  become  apparent  in  the  increased  fa- 
cility and  efficiency  of  operations  founded  upon  it. 

In  the  Western  district,  your  Directors  have  done 
as  much  to  build  up  waste  places,  and  strengthen  fee- 
ble churches,  as  their  limited  funds  would  justify  them 
in  doing.  In  November  last,  they  gave  a  commission 
to  Mr.  T.  H.  Fowler,  to  perform  four  weeks  service 
in  the  towns  of  Leyden  and  Orange,  Franklin  coun- 
ty, leaving  it  to  his  discretion  to  extend  the  mis- 
sion two  weeks,  if  circumstances  required  it.  The 
principal  part  of  this  time  was  spent  in  Leyden,  where 


the  people  expressed  great  satisfaction  in  his  services, 
and  much  gratitude  to  the  Society  for  the  attention 
paid  to  them  in  their  destitute  state.  They  contri- 
buted fifteen  dollars  to  the  funds  of  the  Society,  and 
requested  him  to  inform  the  Board  that  they  would 
raise  fifty  dollars  the  present  season,  for  the  treasury 
of  the  Society,  wishing  that  their  destitute  state  might 
be  considered,  and  that  they  might  receive  all  the  as- 
sistance that  could  be  with  propriety  rendered  them. 
Accordingly,  Mr.  Fowler  has  since  been  directed  to 
labor  with  them  six  weeks,  and  to  encourage  them 
with  the  assurance  that  if  the  funds  of  the  Society  will 
permit,  they   shall    receive  further  aid. 

The  following  parishes  in  this  district  have  been  as- 
sisted by  the  appropriation  of  the  annexed  sums  from 
your  treasury.  Egremont  has  received  seventy-five 
dollars,  Holland  and  North  Wilbraham,  fifty  dollars 
each;  Agawam  and  Feeding-hills,  two  hundred  and 
fifty-nine  dollars.  This  last  sum  was  paid  for  mission- 
ary labor  performed  in  those  places  the  preceding 
year,  and  was  principally  reimbursed  by  contributions 
from  the  two  parishes.  We  are  gratified  to  state, 
that  in  this  instance,  the  object  of  the  Society  has  been 
most  happily  realized.  For  many  years  the  members 
of  these  parishes  were  as  sheep  scattered  abroad,, 
having  no  shepherd.  In  Agawam,  the  Congregational 
church  had  become  extinct,  and  those  who  were  at- 
tached to  that  denomination,  felt  themselves  too  weak 
even  to  make  an  effort  for  securing  the  regular  admin- 
istration of  the  word  and  ordinances.  In  Feeding- 
hills,  a  congregational  church  existed,  but  having  been 
long  destitute  of  the  ordinances  of  the  Gospel,  it  had 
dwindled  almost  to  nothing — there  were  only  two  male 
members  and  about  eight  females  in  it,  The  assistance 
afforded  these  parishes  by  the  Domestic  Missionary 
Society,  was  accepted  with  thankfulness,  and  inspired 
them  with  new  life.  Great  exertions  were  immedi- 
ately made  by  benevolent  individuals  in  Agawam  to 
raise  a  fund  to  pay  their  proportion  towards  the  sup- 


6 

port  of  a  regular  ministry.  Their  efforts  have  been 
crowned  with  success.  About  three  thousand  dollars 
have  been  funded,  and  Trustees  have  been  incorpor- 
ated to  manage  it.  The  remaining  part  of  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dollars,  (being  one  half  of  the  salary  of 
the  minister  of  the  united  parishes)  is  generously  sup- 
plied by  an  individual  within  the  parish.  The  zeal 
of  the  people  of  Feeding  hills,  is  not  less  ardent  than 
in  Agawam.  They  have  become  obligated  to  pay 
by  subscription,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  ninety 
dollars  for  ten  years;  and  they  have  been  encouraged 
to  expect  the  sum  of  sixty  dollars,  annually,  from  the 
funds  of  the  Society,  for  the  same  term.  Having  thus 
made  the  necessary  provision  for  the  support  of  a 
minister,  these  united  societies,  in  October  last,  with 
great  unanimity  invited  the  Rev.  R.  S.  Hazen  to  set- 
tle with  them  in  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and 
he  was  accordingly  ordained.  A  church  was  previ- 
ously formed  in  Agawam,  which  is  now  flourishing,  as  is 
that  also  in  Feeding  hills.  The  two  churches  contain 
about  fifty  members.  Great  harmony  prevails,  and 
Mr.  Hazen's  prospects  of  usefulness  are  very  flatter- 
mo-.  It  has  been  judged  proper  to  be  thus  particular 
in  this  case,  because  it  may  be  considered  a  fair  exem- 
plification of  the  beneficial  tendency  of  the  Society's 
labors.  What  has  been  done  in  these  parishes,  may 
be  done  in  many  others  in  the  commonwealth,  by  the 
awakened  spirit   of  Christian  liberality  and  zeal. 

In  the  Eastern  district  your  Directors  have  not  been 
inactive.  The  Executive  Committee  in  that  district, 
early  applied  themselves,  after  their  appointment,  to 
obtain  correct  information  with  regard  to  the  waste 
places  around  them,  and  to  afford  assistance  in  pro- 
portion to  the  means  Providence  placed  within  their 
reach. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Board,  that  West  Ha- 
verhill had  long  been  destitute,  and  that  the  friends  of 
Christ  there,  might  be  encouraged  by  the  appointment 
of  a  missionary  to  visit   and  labor  among  them,  Mr. 


Caleb  Hobart  was  designated  to  spend  six  weeks  in 
that  parish.  From  his  report,  it  appears  that  he  em- 
ployed his  time  faithfully,  not  only  preaching  on  the 
oabbath,  but  visiting  from  house  to  house.  He  found 
the  people,  generally,  disposed  to  converse  upon  the 
subject  of  religion.  They  appeared  to  expect  from 
a  minister,  visits  suited  to  the  character  of  a  minister. 
A  few  individuals  were  thoughtful  and  serious.  This 
parish,  however,  has  long  remained  a  moral  waste,  a 
desolation  in  Zion.  It  has  been  destitute  of  a  settled 
minister  more  than  twenty  years:  during  most  of  which 
time  they  have  only  received  preaching  occasionally, 
or  at  short  intervals.  The  little  church  in  this  place 
dwindled.  Christians  hung  their  harps  upon  the  wil- 
lows, in  the  recollection  of  privileges  once  enjoyed, 
and  sighing,  longed  for  better  days.  They  were  much 
comforted  and  strengthened,  however,  by  the  labors 
of  Mr.  Hobart,  and  expressed  a  high  sense  of  grati- 
tude to  the  Domestic  Missionary  Society,  in  remem- 
bering them  in  their  low  estate.  They  manifested  a 
strong  desire  to  have  a  settled  minister:  and  it  is  pe- 
culiarly desirable  that  this  people  should  enjoy  such 
a  blessing. 

At  Fall  River,  in  Bristol  county,  great  exertions 
have  been  made  by  a  little  band  of  believers,  to  erect 
a  house  for  the  worship  of  God,  and  with  the  aid  of 
charities  derived  from  various  sources,  chiefly  by  the 
instrumentality  of  Mr.  Loring  S.  Dewey,  they  have 
so  far  succeeded  as  already  to  be  able  to  occupv  a 
convenient  house,  reared  by  their  own  enterprise 
and  perseverance.  Ultimately  the  rents  of  the  pews 
are  expected  to  maintain  a  minister,  but  at  present,  and 
for  at  least  three  years  to  come,  these  rents  must  be 
applied  to  liquidate  the  remaining  debt.  It  is  but  jus- 
tice to  the  praise-worthy  zeal  of  some  individuals  in 
that  destitute  region,  to  state,  that  they  have  done  all 
in  their  power  to  repair  the  desolations  of  their  Zion, 
that  little  more  can  reasonably  be  expected  from  them 
for  some  years  to  come,  and   that  they  deserve  the 


patronage  and  aid  of  this  Society  in  an  eminent  degree. 
The  population  of  the  village  is  annually  increasing, 
by  the  establishment  of  extensive  manufactories,  and 
it  will  be  readily  understood  that  the  character  of  this 
population  is  such  as  to  render  the  location  of  a  faith- 
ful and  influential  minister  among  them  exceedingly 
desirable.  Under  the  direction  of  the  Eastern  Com- 
mittee, Mr.  Dewey  has  performed  ten  weeks  missiona- 
ry service  among  them  the  past  year. 

Various  causes,   which   it   is  unnecessary  to  detail, 
have  contributed  to  weaken  the  congregational  church 
and  society  in  Carver,  Plymouth  county.     It  is  suffi- 
cient to  say,  that  for  five  years  they  have  been  desti- 
tute of  a  stated  ministry.     Their  meeting  house  was, 
three  years  since,  taken  down,  and  from  the  difficulty 
of  selecting  a  suitable  scite  for  another,  together  with 
the  poverty  of  the  society,  it  was  not  till  within   the 
last  half  year  that  efficient  measures    were    taken  to 
rebuild  it.     At  present,  encouraged  by  the    hope   of 
realizing  some  assistance  from   the  Domestic  Mission- 
ary Society,  in   the  support  of  a  minister,   they  are 
making  strenuous  efforts  to  rear  a  house  for  God,  and, 
with  a  degree  of  unanimity  that  is  highly  honorable 
to  their  Christian  spirit,are  advancing  to  the  completion 
of  the  work.     Mr.  Charles  D.  Pigeon  has  been  em- 
ployed six  weeks  among  this   people — and  they  have 
been  encouraged  to  expect  fifty  dollars  per  annum,  for 
five  years  to  come,  in  case  they  settle  among  them  an 
approved  minister  of  Christ. 

The  parish  contains  about  three  hundred  souls,  of 
these  not  far  from  fifty  are  professors  of  religion. 

In  the  parish  of  upper  Beverly,  the  church  has  been 
reduced  within  a  few  years  from  thirty-two  male 
members  to  seven,  and  from  more  than  forty  females 
to  twenty.  The  Rev.  Daniel  Oliver,  who  has  been 
employed  by  the  Directors,  in  this  parish,  has  suc- 
ceeded in  healing  difficulties,  and  promoting  a  spirit  of 
union  and  effort.  He  remarks,  that  what  the  Society 
has  done  for  them  has  given  a  considerable  spring  to 


their  exertions,  that  they  have  laid  a  tax  this  year  of 
two  hundred  dollars,  and  have  voted  at  their  parish 
meeting,  their  thanks  to  the  Domestic  Missionary  So- 
ciety: lie  concludes  by  expressing  his  opinion,  that  if 
the  meetings  can  be  kept  up,  the  parish  will  be  saved 
from  ruin. 

It  is  well  known  that  there  are  several  churches  in 
the  commonwealth,  and  that  the  number  appears  to 
be  increasing,  who  have  had  to  contend  with  peculiar 
difficulties  in  continuing  among  themselves,  the  minis- 
tration of  the  word  and  ordinances,  agreeably  to  the 
usages  of  our  venerable  fathers.  While  the  Direc- 
tors feel  the  liveliest  sympathy  with  them,  and  earn- 
estly commend  them  in  their  arduous  struggles  to  the 
benevolent  notice  of  the  friends  of  truth,  they  have  to 
lament  that  the  resources  of  the  Treasury  have  been 
for  the  past  year  so  limited,  that  they  have  been  able 
to  afford  assistance  but  in  one  instance,  and  that  only 
to  the  small  amount  of  twenty-five  dollars,  to  the 
church  in  Sandwich,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev. 
Mr.  Hunn. 

With  such  a  view  of  the  destitute  parishes  in  this 
commonwealth  as  your  Directors  have  derived  from 
much  inquirv,  and  no  slight  examination,  they  feel  au<« 
thorized  to  state,  that  with  the  small  sum  of  fifty  or 
seventy-five  dollars  annually,  some  of  them  might  be 
immediately  built  up,  and  supplied  with  the  gospel 
ministry.  Without  such  assistance  they  must  long  re- 
main in  their  present  unhappy  condition. 

So  far  as  we  can  gain  information,  we  are  happy  to 
say,  that  the  destitute  parishes,  generally,  are  much 
engaged  to  make  provision  for  the  regular  support  of 
the  gospel,  according  to  their  ability.  They  are  look- 
ing with  deep  anxiety  to  the  Domestic  Missionary  So- 
ciety. They  are  hoping  and  praying  that  their  breth- 
ren in  Christ,  who  are  more  highly  favored,  will  look 
upon  their  afflictions,  and  commiserate  them  in  their 
desolate  condition.  The  success  which  has  attended 
the  exertions  of  the  Society  in  several  instances,  has 
2 


10 

excited  an  animating  hope  in  their  bosoms  that  they 
shall  once  more  be  blessed  with  the  gospel.  We  are 
persuaded,  that  if  the  churches  could  witness  the 
warmth,  with  which  many  destitute  societies  plead 
for  a  little  assistance,  we  should  not  long  be  under  the 
painful  necessity  of  saying  to  them, — 'we  pity  your 
situation,  we  would  gladly  relieve  you, — but  we  have 
no  funds.'  Such  answers  we  have  been  obliged  to  re- 
turn in  several  instances. 

If  your  Directors  might  be  allowed  to  suggest  any 
thing  by  way  of  advice,  it  would  be,  that  more  effi- 
cient measures  be  adopted  to  bring  the  wants  of  des- 
titute parishes  before  our  churches,  that  more  partic- 
ular statements  of  the  doings  of  the  Society  be  pub- 
lished, with  a  suitable  address,  and  be  circulated 
throughout  the  commonwealth,  and  read  in  the 
churches,  and  that  contributions  be  recommended  to 
be   made  annually. 

It  is  our  happiness  to  be  assured,  that  the  interests 
of  the  Society  are  growing  in  the  affections  of  the 
pious  throughout  the  state.  It  needs  only  to  be  more 
generally  known  to  obtain  increasing  patronage.  In 
this  age  of  benevolent  effort,  while  the  enlightened 
Christian  regards  with  growing  interest,  the  pitiable 
condition  of  the  distant  heathen,  he  will  not  surely 
overlook  the  immortal  souls,  perishing  for  lack  of 
knowledge,  within  the  borders  of  his  own  beloved 
commonwealth.  While  the  charity  of  the  Gospel  is 
as  extensive  as  the  wants  of  humanity,  he  will  never 
forget — that  it  begins  at  home. 


ADDRESS. 


TO  THE  CHRISTIAN  PUBLIC. 

Dear  Brethren, — Allow  the  Directors  of  the  Do* 
mestic  Missionary  Society  of  Massachusetts,  once  more, 
to  plead  before  you  the  cause  of  our  feeble  churches 
and  waste  places.  To  do  this  with  the  more  happy 
success,  we  would  first  present  you  with  a  sketch  of 
the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Society,  whose  concerns 
we  have  the  honor  to  manage  under  the  great  Head 
of  the  church. 

This  Society  originated  in  the  General  Association 
of  Ministers  in  this  state.  At  their  annual  meeting 
in  the  town  of  Belcher,  1817,  they  appointed  a  numer- 
ous committee  from  the  different  sections  of  the  com- 
monwealth, to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency 
of  establishing  a  Domestic  Missionary  Society:  and  in 
case  they  should  deem  it  expedient,  to  form  and  report 
a  constitution.  In  September  following,  the  commit- 
tee met  in  Northampton:  and  having  taken  into  view 
the  broken  and  enfeebled  state  of  many  churches 
and  societies  within  our  limits,  conceived,  that  the  most 
effectual  aid  might  be  afforded  them  by  a  society  form- 
ed for  this  very  purpose.  Accordingly,  in  June  1818, 
the  committee  reported  to  the  General  Association,  a 
constitution,  which  was  approved  and  unanimously 
adopted.  "The  object  of  the  Society  shall  be  to  as- 
sist needy  churches,  parishes,  aud  waste  places,  within 
the  limits  of  Massachusetts." 

The  Society  being  organized,  the  Directors  held 
their  first  meeting  in  Northampton,  on  the  third  Wed- 


rt 


12 

nesday  in  October,  1818;  and  without  any  other  funds, 
than  what  were  derived  from  a  few  annual  and  life 
subscriptions,  immediately  began  their  operations. 
The  measures  adopted  to  ascertain  with  more  pre- 
cision, the  number  and  situation  of  destitute  societies, 
resulted  in  a  deeper  conviction  of  the  importance  and 
necessity  of  making  speedy  and  persevering  efforts  for 
their  relief.  Oi  this  description,  no  less  than  forty  so- 
cieties were  found,  whose  condition  demanded  aid 
from  the  more  favored  portions  of  the  commonwealth. 

More  effectually  to  repair  these  waste  places  in  our 
Zion,  the  Directors  deemed  it  necessary,  especially  in 
view  of  their  limited  means,  to  bring  into  action  all 
the  resources  and  energies  of  their  destitute  breth- 
ren— to  prompt  them  to  personal  efforts  to  help  them- 
selves. As  an  inducement  to  vigorous  exertions,  the 
Directors  pledged  their  aid  to  such  an  extent  as  the 
case  might  require,  or  their  scanty  means  allow.  This 
mode  of  operation  has  been  peculiarly  successful;  while 
it  has  cut  off  all  occasion  for  the  parsimonious  cry, 
"Let  them  help  themselves."  The  poor,  the  feeble, 
the  sickly,  the  afflicted  around  us,  have,  by  common 
consent,  a  claim  upon  our  pity  and  our  help.  Why 
not  feeble  churches,  broken  down,  oppressed,  dis- 
heartened; who  have  seen  better  days,  but  are  now 
hanging  their  harps  upon  the  willows?  How  does  it 
awaken  their  joys  and  animate  their  hopes,  to  see 
their  brethren  remembering  them  in  their  affliction, 
and  helping  them  to  rise  from  their  ruins,  that  they 
may  again  enjoy  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel,  and  be- 
come vigorous  and  fruitful  branches  of  the  common 
vine. 

But,  Brethren,  the  distresses  to  which  many  are 
reduced  by  poverty,  sickness,  and  outward  calamity, 
present  but  a  faint  picture  of  the  unhappy  situation 
of  those  who  dwell  in  our  moral  wastes — without  a 
priest — without  a  sacrifice — the  house  of  the  Lord  in 
ruins,  or  her  doors  shut  for  years — the  Sabbath  pro- 
faned— the  rising  generation  forgetting    the  God  of 


13 

iheir  fathers,  and  becoming  strangers  to  the  sanctuary 
— having  no  guide  in  their  spiritual  inquiries — no  com- 
forter in  their  afflictions — none  to  visit  their  sick 
chambers  and  dying  beds,  to  present  the  encourage- 
ments and  hopes  of  the  gospel.  O  Christians!  Do 
not  their  wants  excite  your  commiseration?  Do  they 
not  demand  your  prayers,  your  alms,  your  eflb  ts?  You 
are  full  and  have  need  of  nothing — you  are  overflow- 
ing with  religious  privileges — always  under  the  drop- 
pings of  the  sanctuary.  Your  brethren,  indeed,  may 
have  erred,  and  in  some  measure  induced  their  deso- 
lations by  inactivity:  but  still  show  them  mercy,  as  you 
would  obtain  mercy  of  God.  You  might  have  been 
planted  in  the  moral  desert,  and  subjected  to  all  the 
deprivations  and  embarrassments  of  your  brethren. 
Be  thankful  for  your  privilegess,  and  express  your 
sense  of  their  value,  by  laboring  to  extend  them  to 
the  destitute.  You  may  thus  perpetuate  your  spir- 
itual advantages,  and  draw  upon  you  the  blessing  of 
many  who  are  ready  to  perish. 

Brethren,  what  is  required  of  you  by  the  law  of 
love?  Were  you  planted  in  some  of  these  feeble  and 
waste  places  of  our  Zion — where  no  minister  of  the 
cross  weeps  and  prays  for  the  people,  between  the 
porch  and  the  altar — where  there  is  no  solemn  assem- 
bly— no  one  to  break  the  bread  or  dispense  the  word 
of  life  for  your  edification — and  all  these  privileges 
beyond  your  reach,  without  the  aid  of  Christian  friends 
— in  such  a  condition,  what  would  be  your  reasonable 
desire — what  your  claim  upon  the  Christian  public? 
Would  you  think  them  excusable  for  being  deaf  to 
your  cries,  or  for  looking  with  indifference  upon  your 
desolations?  Ah,  brethren,  we  know  what  would  be 
your  desires — what  your  claims — what  your  urgent 
requests.  We  are  also  convinced  what  will  now  be 
your  course  respecting  these  feeble,  famishing  churches 
— you  will  remember  them  in  your  prayers — you  will 
encourage  their  hearts  and  strengthen  their  hands  by 
your  ready  contributions,  you  will  not — you  cannot,  be 


6 


14 

satisiied  with  saying,  Be  ye  warmed,  be  ye  filled.  We 
ehall  witness,  and  they  will  soon  reap  the  happy  fruits 
of  your  increased  liberality. 

It  is  seriously  believed,  that  the  churches  have  not 
attached  due  importance  to  the  object  of  this  Society, 
because  they  have  never  viewed  the  existing  evil  it  is 
designed  to  remedy  in  all  its  bearings.  It  is  a  strik- 
ing fact,  that  a  waste  place  is  rarely  to  be  found  alone: 
others  already  breaking  down,  or  in  ruins,  are  around 
it.  And  why?  Because  every  such  moral  waste  has 
its  baleful  influence  upon  the  vicinity,  while  it  affords 
to  disorganizes  and  the  enemies  of  religious  order,  a 
sphere  of  unresisted  and  successful  action.  The 
march  of  moral  degeneracy  and  desolation,  is  not  stay- 
ed by  town  or  parish  lines.  When  one  society  is 
broken  down,  others  are  soon  weakened,  and  fall  vic- 
tims to  tiie  destroyer.  The  deadly  influence  of  these 
is  again  felt  by  others.  In  a  course  of  years,  the 
evil  becomes  a  wide  spreading  desolation,  to  which 
we  can  prescribe  no  bounds,  without  the  signal  inter- 
position of  divine  grace,  or  the  special  efforts  of  other 
churches  to  build  up  these  ruins  of  our  Zion. 

Now,  brethren,  inquire  how  your  prosperous  state 
can  long  continue,  if  these  waste  places  lie  unrepair- 
ed, and  are  suffered  to  multiply?  What  will  soon  be- 
come of  all  our  flourishing  churches,  and  united  par- 
ishes; if  this  wasting  pestilence  is  not  stayed  in  its 
progress?  What  too  will  become  of  our  liberties,  our 
invaluable  institutions,  literary,  humane,  and  charita- 
ble, which  have  been  the  boast  and  golry  of  the  state? 
Where  will  the  evils  of  such  spreading  desolation  end, 
unless  with  the  incense  of  your  prayers  and  alms, 
you  step  between  the  living  and  the  dead,  and  stay 
this  moral  plague? 

We  would  not  confine  our  address  to  Christians. 
We  would  call  upon  all  the  friends  of  liberty  and  the 
state  to  take  a  share  in  this  necessary — this  laudable 
work  of  repairing  these  waste  places,  and  strengthen- 
ing the  things  that  are  ready  to  die.     Those  will  hear 


15 

this  call,  who  seriously  believe,  that  the  institutions 
which  our  ancestors  established  and  cherished  with 
so  much  care,  have  essentially  contributed  to  our  fe- 
licity. The  prosperity  and  safety  of  the  state  de- 
mand the  efforts  of  every  patriot.  Christianity  makes 
good  citizens,  as  well  as  good  men — supporters  of  or- 
der, as  well  as  of  truth.  But  where  should  we  look 
for  Christianity  in  its  influence  and  fruits,  or  even  its 
form,  if  we  were  to  leave  unsupported  its  public  insti- 
tutions? We  might,  indeed,  see  its  sacred  relics,  sad 
mementos  of  our  loss,  floating  upon  the  swelling  tide 
of  moral  desolation. 

The  work  already  begun  can  be  accomplished.  The 
sacrifice  required  is  small.  The  scene  of  operation 
is  almost  under  your  own  inspection.  The  languish- 
ing— the  suffering — the  perishing  lie  at  your  very 
doors.  The  largest  sum  received  into  the  treasury 
in  any  one  year,  has  been  less  than  eight  hundred  dol- 
lars. And  still  many  feeble  societies  have  been  es- 
sentially benefitted;  while  several,  which  have  long 
lain  in  ruins,  have  resettled  the  gospel  ministry,  are 
daily  increasing  in  strength,  and  will  ere  long,  require 
no  further  aid  from  others.  Where  has  more  been 
achieved  in  the  cause  of  order,  truth,  and  humanity 
with  means  so  small  and  inadequate?  Your  charities 
for  needy  churches  and  societies  have  been  judiciously 
bestowed — how  they  have  thus  far  been  appropriated, 
you  may  learn  from  the  annual  reports  of  the  Direc- 
tors. 

The  continued  cries  of  the  helpless,  and  the  impor- 
tance of  the  object  in  view,  demand  more  liberal  contri- 
butions. Were  the  Christian  public  sufficiently  awake 
to  the  subject,  and  would  they  set  apart  but  a  small 
portion  of  their  increase  to  forward  the  good  work, 
they  would  soon  witness  our  feeble  churches  risino- 
from  their  ashes,  our  waste  places  repaired,  and  not 
a  church  or  parish  in  the  commonwealth,  but  what 
would  be  blessed  with  a  spiritual  guide,  whom  they 
would  be  able  and  willing  to  support.     Such  an  event 


16 

could  not  fail  to  gladden  your  hearts,  to  give  new 
life,  strength)  and  glory  to  our  Zion,  and  enable  us 
to  act  with  more  union,  vigor,  and  eiFect,  upon  the 
more  distant  and  stronger  holds  of  sin. 

Christian  Brethren,  the  subject  is  before  you — you 
hear  the  cries  of  the  helpless — you  see  their  wants — 
you  feel  their  sufferings — you  will  send  them  rebef. 
Many  stand  waiting  to  be  your  almoners,  without 
money  and  without  price.  Supply  the  means,  and 
the  desolation  of  many  generations  are  repaired.  You 
are  acting  for  Zion,  and  for  Zion's  King.  To  him 
you  must  account  as  his  stewards.  Never  let  it  be 
said,  "1  was  an  hungered  and  ye  gave  me  no  meat — 
thirsty  and  ye  gave  me  no  drink."  But  little  is  asked 
of  that  abundance  God  has  given  you;  that  little  is  of 
infinite  importance.  Do  your  duty — cheer  the  hearts 
of  your  brethren — honor  your  Savior — and  may  the 
God  of  heaven  replenish  your  stores  and  your  hearts 
from  his  treasures. 

"0  Shepherd  of  Israel,  thou  that  leadest  Joseph  like 
a  flock — look  down  and  behold,  and  visit"  '•these  lan- 
guishing vines,  ere  they  die.'>  " 

Signed  in  behalf  of  the  Directors  of  the  Domestic 
Missionary  Society. 

Thomas  Snell. 


By  a  vole  of  the  Directors,  all  ministers  in  the  commonwealth,  favora- 
ble to  the  object  of  the  Society,  are  requested  to  read  the  foregoing  "Ad- 
dress1' to  their  congregations,  and  the  "Report  of  the  Directors, "  if  they 
think  proper,  on  an  early  day,  that  the  Society  may  become  more  gener- 
ally known,  and  measures  adopted  to  increase  its  funds,  without  unne- 
cessary delay. 


To  the  foregoing  Report  and  Address,  the  Publishing  Committee 
have  thought  proper  to  annex  the  Constitution  of  the  Massachusetts 
Domestic  Missionary  Society,  for  the  information  of  those  not  al- 
ready acquainted  with  it,  and  to  revive  the  recollection  of  its  pro- 
visions, in  its  friends  and  patrons. 

By  a  reference  to  the  books  of  the  Treasurer,  it  is  found  that 
there  are  not  more  than  twelve  annual  subscribers  in  the  whole 
Commonwealth;  and  of  these,  it  does  not  appear  that  more  than 
two  or  three  have  paid  more  than  once.  The  funds  of  the  Society 
have  been  derived  almost  exclusively  from  life  memberships  and 
Donations. 

A  list  of  the  Life  members  will  be  subjoined.     The   Donations 
have  been  published  quarterly    in    the  "Boston   Recorder,"  and 
would   be   added  here,  if  the  details  of  the   Treasurer's    audited 
account  were  at  hand;  but  the  publication  of  the  Report  has  been 
so  long  delayed  unavoidably,  that  it   is  not  thought  expedient  to 
delay  it  any   longer,  for  the  purpose   only   of  republishing  those 
donations.   It  is  hoped  that  the  Report  of  another  year  will  furnish 
a  much  longer  list  of  Benefactors  to  the   feeble  churches  in  the 
Commonwealth,  than  the  present  publication  could  furnish,  if  their 
names  were  all  inserted — that  many  ladies  will  show  their  regard 
to  their  Pastors,  and  especially  to  Him  whom  their  Pastors  serve, 
hy  making  them  Life   members; — that  Clergymen    and  influential 
Laymen  will  exert  themselves  to  obtain  annual  subscribers — and 
that  the  benevolent  generally,  will  testify  their  sympathies  in  the 
afflictions  of  Joseph,  by  immediate   exertions  to  enlarge  the  funds 
of  this  Domestic  Institution.     One  Association  at  least,  has  recent- 
ly resolved  to  make  an  united  effort  for  this  end — and  it  is  believ- 
ed that  the  Good  Cause  would  be  essentially  promoted  if  the  other 
Associations  in  the  State  would  adopt  a  similar  resolution  without 
delay. 


18 


CONSTITUTION. 

1.  The  Society  shall  be  called  the  Domestic  Missionary  Society' 
of  Massachusetts  Proper. 

2.  It  shall  consist  of  the  members  of  the  General  Association  of 
Massachusetts  Proper  for  the  time  being,  and  of  such  other  persons 
as  shall  either  be  duly  elected,  or  subscribe  the  requisite  sum  for 
constituting  membership. 

3.  The  object  of  the  Society  shall  be  to  assist  needy  churches 
and  parishes,  and  waste  places  within  the  limits  of  Massachusetts 
Proper. 

4.  Any  person  may  become  a  member  of  the  Society  by  sub- 
cribing  two  dollars,  to  be  paid  annually;  and  any  person  a  member 
for  life,  by  paying  into  the  treasury,  at  any  one  time,  twenty 
dollars. 

5.  The  Society  shall  meet  annually  on  Thursday  in  the  week 
of  the  annual  meeting  of  the  General  Association  of  Massachusetts 
Proper,  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

6.  Beside  the  Moderator  and  Clerk  of  the  annual  meeting,  who 
shall  be  the  same  as  the  Moderator  and  Secretary  of  the  General 
Association  for  the  time  being,  the  officers  of  the  Society  shall  be 
twenty  four  Directors;  twelve  clergymen  and  twelve  laymen,  a 
Secretary,  a  Treasurer,  and  an  Auditor;  the  two  last  always  to  be 
laymen,  all  of  whom  shall  be  chosen  by  ballot  at  the  annual 
meeting. 

7.  The  Directors  shall  meet  annually  at  the  time  and  place  of 
the  meeting  of  the  General  Association,  and  at  such  other  times 
and  places,  as  they  shall  appoint;  and  may  adopt  such  rules,  and 
appoint  such  Committees  as  they  may  judge  conducive  to  the  object 
of  the  Institution.  And  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  devise  means  for 
the  support  of  missions,  to  appoint,  instruct,  and,  if  necessary, 
to  recal  missionaries,  and  prescribe  the  places  where  they  shall 
labor;  to  fix  the  compensation  of  missionaries,  and  to  pay  them  by 
orders  on  the  Treasurer;  and  generally,  to  adopt  such  measures, 
from  time  to  time,  as  they  shall  judge  expedient  for  carrying  into 
effect  the  objects  of  the  Society.  They  shall  make  report  annually 
to  the  Society  of  their  proceedings. 

S.  The  Treasurer  shall  take  charge  of  the  funds  of  the  Society, 
managing  them,  and  keeping  his  accounts  under  such  regulations, 
as  shall  from  time  to  time  be  prescribed  by  the  Directors. 

9.  The  Secretary  shall  faithfully  record  the  proceedings  of  the 
Directors,  and  in  their  name  correspond  with  those  persons  who 
may  have  business  to  transact  in  connexion  with  the  Institution. 

10.  This  Constitution  shall  not  be  altered,  except  at  an  annual 
meeting  of  the  Society,  and  with  the  concurrence  of  two  thirds  of 
the  members  present. 

Per  order  of  the  Committee, 

Jedidiah  Morse,  Chairman. 


19 


MFE  MEMBEHS. 

Hon   William  Ueecl, 

Hon.  Ezra  Starkweather, 

Hon.  Salem  Town,  Jr. 

Israel  E.  Trask,  Esq. 

Col.  David  Mack, 

Nathaniel  Smith,  Esq. 

Rev   Jedidiah  Morse,  D.  D. 

Rev.  John  Fisk, 

Rev    Hoswell   Hawks, 

Col.  David  Mack  Jr. 

Rev   John  Keep, 

Rev    VVm.fi    Ballentine, 

Rev.  Daniel  Tomlinson, 

Rev.  Micah  Stone, 

Rev.  Thomas  Snell, 

Elisha  Lee,  Esq. 

Rev.  John  Cod  man, 

Rev.  Jonathan  L.  Pomeroy, 

Rev.  Luke  Wood, 

Rev.  E.  Phelps, 

Henry  Gray,  Esq. 

Rev.  D  L.  Hunn, 

Rev.  S.  Holmes, 

Rev.  John  Crane,  D.  D. 

Rev.  Warren  Fay, 

Rev.  Otis  Lane, 

Rev.  Gardner  Hayden, 

Rev.  Oliver  Cobb, 

Rev.  Elias  Cornelius, 

Rev.  Nathan  Perkins, 

Rev.  Joseph  Goff,      > 

Rev  Enoch  Pond,     5 

Rev.  Kalph  W.  Gridley, 

Hon.  Lewis  Strong:, 

Rev.  Jonathan  Homer, 

Rev.  David  Jewett, 

Rev  Samuel  Dana, 

Rev   B.  B    tt  isner, 

Josiah  Salisbury,  Esq. 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Willis, 

Rev.  Sereno  E.  Dwight, 

Rev.  L.  Sheldon, 

Rev.  S.  P.  Williams, 


SOURCES   OF   MEMBERSHIP. 


} 


Fein.  Cent  Soc.  in  New  Braintree. 
Fem.  Char.  Soc.  in  Peru. 


Rel    Char.  S0c.  of  New   Braintree. 
Brookfield,  and  North  Brookfie/d, 


Rel.  Char.  Soo.  in  New  Braintree  and  vie. 

Benev.  Soc.  in  Sandwich. 

Mon.  con.  in  New  Bedford. 

Fem.  Cent  Soc.  in  Northbridge. 

Fem.  Aux.  Char.  Soc.  in  CharlestOWH. 

Females  in  S airbridge. 

Ladies  in  Egremont. 

Ladies  of  his  parish  in  Rochester. 

From  Mr.  J.  B.  Lawrence. 

Fem.  Cent  Soc.  2d.  par.  in  Amherst. 

Don.  from  A.  B.  &  C. 

Fem.  Cent.  Soc.  in  Williamstown. 

By  Ladies. 
By  Ladies. 
By  Ladies. 
By  Ladies. 


By  Ladies. 

New  year's  Gift  from  his  Soc.  in  Easton. 

Ladies  in  his  parish. 


DATE  DUE 

«              ^ 

KMaad 

■1 

M 

mtmmt 

GAYLORD 

PRINTED  IN  US    A. 

